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Morrow, Feb 2000, 23.00, 304 pp. ISBN: 0380978660 When last seen, Judith McMonigle Flynn, owner of the Hillside Manor Bed and Breakfast, needs a hip replacement due to an accident that confines her to a wheelchair. In a strange coincidence, Judith's cousin Rennie needs an operation on her shoulder. Thus, the two best friends check into the Good Cheer Hospital, managing to share a room. Before the duo actually enters the hospital, a famous athlete and a locally known actress die while recovering from successful surgery. The police report that both of them died from an overdose of drugs. Judith learns from a gossiping nurse that neither of the deceased were users. When a third person dies under suspicious circumstances, Judith, who has solved previous homicides, decides to investigate without knowing how close the killer is to her. This long running series makes its hard cover debut with a tale that proves Mary Daheim deserves the status. SUTURE SELF is the best novel in a well-written series as the precious interludes between Judith and Rennie appear poignant and dramatic, yet humorous. The investigative techniques used by Judith while recovering from surgery is unique or at least along the lines of Rear Window. Ms. Daheim is at the top of her game as she provides her fans with a wonderful cozy. Harriet Klausner | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of story - How difficult to spot villain? - Challenging Time/era of story: What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 50% Kind of investigator Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting United States Yes The US: - Pacific NW Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Unusual forms of death - poisoning Unusual form of death? Yes Amount of dialog - significantly more descript than dialog |
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